September News & Updates

Read on to learn about updates at Social Security, upcoming events, our impact for the people we serve, and more!

Social Security Updates

This information is accurate as of this writing. Changes are happening quickly, and this information may become outdated. We will try to post updates as changes take effect.

Recent Updates

No More Paper Checks: Beginning September 30th, Social Security will no longer issue paper checks and will only issue electronic payments. If you receive benefits and you don’t have a bank account, you can sign up for the Direct Express prepaid debit card.

Updates to MySSA Account Capabilities: You can now complete and upload Social Security forms within your MySSA account, as well as upload your own forms and records. Previously, Social Security had to initiate a request in order for you to upload or complete a form through the account, but you can now initiate it yourself. We view this as a positive change, and encourage you to use your MySSA account to upload and complete documents whenever possible.

Change in Phone Systems: Social Security recently updated their phone systems to fix a customer service issue. Previously, some callers were rerouted to customer service agents who did not have jurisdiction for their case and were not able to access information about it, and therefore were not able to assist the caller. Social Security says that now all customer service agents are able to assist callers from any service area.

Whistleblower Report on Social Security Data: A whistleblower has reported that a DOGE official copied the Social Security Numbers, names, and birthdays of over 300 million Americans to a private cloud server. Having this information on a private server increases the risk of identity theft.

Our Recommendations

• In light of possible data breaches, freeze your credit with Experian, Equifax, and Transunion to help protect yourself from identity theft
• Set up your MySSA account and do as much online as you can
• Be highly prepared for all interactions with Social Security
• Make and keep copies of any documents shared with Social Security
• Call your local office when possible to avoid longer wait times on the national hotline
• If you plan to apply for SSI or SSDI, take one of our online classes to get help and resources
• Be polite but persistent in your interactions with Social Security
• Contact your elected officials to express your concerns about changes to Social Security. You can view our guide to contacting elected officials here

Need help with Social Security benefits? Get free support from a coach!

• Have a benefits or financial question, and don’t want to schedule a whole meeting about it? Send us your question and we’ll respond within 3 business days. Ask a Coach!
• Want to have a quick, confidential conversation with a coach, but don’t need ongoing support? Register for Office Hours!
• Want to learn the basics of budgeting, credit building, managing debt, and/or applying for benefits? Sign up for a class!

 

Upcoming Events

Navigating Social Security Overpayments

September 23rd at 12:00 pm

Ever gotten a overpayment notice, and suddenly you owe Social Security hundreds or thousands of dollars? Don’t panic, you have options! This free webinar will cover how overpayments happen, what your options are when you have an overpayment, and tips and resources to navigate the forms required. There will be a live Q&A, and ASL interpretation will be provided.

Navigating SSI Applications for Children & Youth

September 3rd and 10th at 12:00 pm

Bring your questions! Monthly online classes are led by a Certified Benefits Planner and provide an overview of the SSI application process. Get tips and strategies for the application and redetermination process and leave with a clear idea of the next steps to take. ASL interpretation available on request.

 

Financial How-To’s Classes

Multiple Dates

These online classes provide financial education designed to meet the unique needs of people with disabilities. Get tips and strategies on a variety of financial topics and leave with a clear idea of the next steps to take to help you reach your goals. ASL interpretation available on request.

Our Impact This Year

Number of Coaching Sessions: 1438

Number of Coaching Clients: 430

Number of Loans Dispersed: 154

Total Amount Dispersed: $1,973,311

 

Success Stories from July!

Small Business

L is a long time coaching client who was recently offered a contract position that required them to have a business license. L has never owned a business or applied for a license, and worked with a small business specialist who guided them through the process to file for a sole proprietorship license. L also got support to open a business account, develop a system to track business expenses, and report their income to Social Security.

Financial Coaching

J came to coaching after losing full time employment (and consequently his health insurance) due to his disability.  Prior to coaching, J had gone months without medical treatment due to a lack of health insurance.  With support from his coach, J was able to get SNAP food assistance and apply for disability benefits.  His coach also helped him get connected with Medicaid, and he is now able to access medical treatment.

Loans

E & J, a married couple, lost their modified vehicle in an accident and were very stressed.  E was in the hospital and needed a modified vehicle for medical appointments, and J was struggling to navigate the process to get funding for a new vehicle.  E & J’s loan officer worked with them to help them apply, and worked with their insurance agent to get all the needed documentation.  E & J were beyond grateful for this support, and now have transportation for medical appointments.

 

Feedback from the people we serve

“[my coach] was courteous, professional and knowledgeable and provided useful information.”

“I liked that we adjusted to fit my needs, I was able to get captions, I could have questions repeated or rephrased, and I could have things clarified without judgement or shame. My coach was really helpful, patient, and kind, and kept me informed and involved during the whole process making it easy for me to work with her.”

“Our loan officer was amazing- she expedited our request, she was quick to respond, and she was extremely helpful. Finding this vehicle was a very stressful and difficult process, but NW Access fund made the financing fast and easy. We are deeply grateful for what you all do! It was difficult to find financing for a customized vehicle through traditional lenders.”

 

Resource Highlight

 

Check out the SSDI and Self-Employment Toolkit: This toolkit will walk you through the impact of self-employment on SSDI benefits, with tips, strategies, and resources to support you.